SOAR SUMMER 2024

The New Student and Family Programs team has exciting news to share: 11,000 new students — representing our largest-ever incoming class — are expected to join the Beach family and attend SOAR in-person this summer!

Chances are good that you will run across our SOAR students, families, and/or orientation leaders at some point over the next few months, so we want to share some basic program information and invite you to be part of the fun as we welcome the newest members of our Beach family. Most important, if you see any of our 30 orientation leaders around campus with groups of students, please say hi, offer a high-five, or shout an enthusiastic “Go Beach!” They would love your support!

Summer 2024 Soar Overview

Housed under New Student & Family Programs (NSFP) and working in partnership with the academic advising centers of each college, Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) is a comprehensive program designed to support new students’ transition – both academically and socially – to Cal State Long Beach. SOAR is a fun-filled day at The Beach that consists of community-building opportunities, an overview of key resources, a campus tour, and advising and registration. Throughout all activities, a focus on student readiness and connection, to both the university and other students, is put at the forefront. SOAR is required of every incoming student and offered throughout the summer.

  • First-Time/First-Year SOAR Workshops
    Monday – Friday; June 11 – 26 (No June 19) and July 31 – August 13
    8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Transfers SOAR Workshops 
    Monday – Friday; July 9 – July 24
    8:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Information for the Campus Community

For administrators, staff, and faculty, the best way to reach our team in the summer is via MS Teams. We are often in the field all summer and we stay connected via Teams. If you have a student who needs assistance or just have questions, please reach out to the NSFP team directly and add Jesse Ramirez, Rachel Sanchez, Raquel Arevalo, and Valeria Galicia so someone can reply promptly.

For students, please have them call 562/985-5515 or submit a SOAR Support ticket.

Prior to the start of workshops on June 11, please reach out directly to Rachel Sanchez at Rachel.sanchez@csulb.edu or via Teams with any questions you may have!

Students attending their SOAR workshop will attend various activities throughout campus. Here is an overview of times/ locations:

  • 8:00 – 8:30     Check-in at the Beach Circle (between COB/Athletics Track)
  • 8:30 – 9:30     Welcome at COB 140
  • 9:30 – 12:30   Various; COB classrooms, Horn Center, Campus Tour and Activities
  • 12:00 – 1:00   Lunch at USU 2nd floor Courtyard and Resource Fair at Friendship Walk
  • 1:00 – 1:30     Transition on USU North Lawn and HHS1 Lawn
  • 1:30 – 4:00     Various; COB classrooms, Horn Center, Campus Tour and Activities
  • 4:00 – 4:30     Check-out and goodbye at the Beach Circle

Parent & Family Programs hosts In-Person Parent & Family Orientation (PFO) sessions between June and August.  These one-day workshops introduce family members and supporters to campus services/resources, university policies, and strategies for supporting student success. PFO Sessions will take place on the following dates:

  • Tuesday, June 18
  • Friday, June 21
  • Wednesday, June 26
  • Wednesday, July 31
  • Friday, August 2
  • Wednesday, August 7
  • Friday, August 9

Family members and supporters can register for PFO for $50/attendee here.

In addition to these full-day programs, NSFP staff will be on hand to offer parent and supporter information and resources to anyone who attends on a day not listed above.

Student leader giving an orientation to people gathered around her.
A group of people standing in a semi-circle outdoors, listening to a speaker in front of a modern, angular building.
A student leader standing at a podium in a classroom, gesturing with their hands while speaking to the audience.
"A large group of students seated in an auditorium, listening to a presenter in front of a projection screen displaying information about the Student Recreation & Wellness Center.
A group of people walking along a pathway on a green campus, heading towards a building in the background.
Two student leaders standing outdoors, one wearing a black beanie and sunglasses with a microphone headset, and the other holding a clipboard and giving a thumbs-up.
A group of people gathered in an outdoor courtyard, with some individuals walking in the background near a modern building with red brick and concrete columns.
Students standing in line outdoors with a smiling student leader walking forward.